190 WILD SPORTS OF THE WEST. 



bridle until we reached the sand-banks, where the 

 boat, with Pattigo and his companions, was awaiting 

 our arrival. 



Nor have we been the only denizens of the Lodge 

 whose exertions have this day been successful. The 

 Colonel has spent the forenoon in the sand-banks, much 

 to his own satisfaction, in slaying rabbits, and studying 

 the Morning Post. To unite the sportsman and politi- 

 cian may at first sight seem difficult but, ensconcing 

 himself in a good position, the commander waits 

 patiently for a shot, and, confiding loading and look-out 

 to Andy Bawn, whose attentions since the unfortunate 

 affair of the portmanteau have been redoubled, he 

 coolly proceeds with the debate, until a rabbit is reported 

 within range of the favourite Spanish barrel, by his 

 assistant gunner. This mode of shooting the Colonel 

 recommends, provided the day and the debate be warm. 

 In winter, he may be induced occasionally to take the 

 side of a sunny cover, but gout and rheumatism are 

 ever present to his imagination, and he would not " wet 

 a foot for all the birds upon Brae Mar." 



After dinner I reminded my kinsman of the promised 

 legend of Knock-a-thample, and the otter-killer was 

 ordered to the presence. But on inquiry, Antony had 

 been professionally called off to a distant village upon 

 the coast to minister to a broken head, and had taken 

 his departure in a four-oared boat, with as much cere- 

 mony as though he had been surgeon-general. I felt, 

 and expressed, my disappointment. " And are you 

 really curious about this wild tradition ? " asked our 

 host. " I believe this is one of many legends which, 

 during a terrible winter, I amused myself by taking 

 down from Antony's own lips." Opening a drawer 



